Margaret Lillian Otto

GRANGER – Margaret Lillian Otto (née Cavanaugh) passed away in the early morning hours of August 28th in Mishawaka, Indiana, of complications related to congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by family, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Peg was born to Lillian and Robert Cavanaugh on September 26, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from HolyRedeemerHigh School and spent her young adult years in Detroit, working in her father’s jewelry store and a local cheese shop, where she loved talking to customers.   In 1956, she met the love of her life, Jack Otto. Peg was volunteering with the United Service Organizations, and Jack was in the Air Force. The two met on a blind date—Peg was initially supposed to go out with someone else, who canceled at the last minute. Luckily, Jack filled in. They were married in Detroit in February of 1958. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved briefly to Buchanan, Michigan, then to Niles, Michigan, where they had three children. They raised their family there until moving to Canyon Country, California in 1979. After Jack retired in 1989, they returned to Peg’s beloved Midwest and settled in Granger, Indiana. Peg and Jack were married for 55 years. She is survived by her son, Jack (Veronica) Otto, her daughters Marlene (Bill) Beck and Janet (Frank) Annino, and seven granddaughters: Julie, Emilie, and Kellie Beck; Shannon, Megan, and Caitlin Otto; and Claire Annino. Peg was a funny, strong, fiercely independent woman who earned the nickname “Zesty”.  She was devoted to her family, and loved to read, cook, play cards and board games, and watch the Los Angeles Lakers. A service celebrating her life will be Tuesday, September 1 at Swem Chapel in Buchanan at 11:00 am.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.  Father Richard Altine of St. Anthony Catholic Church will be officiating.  Burial will take place following the service at Oak RidgeCemetery in Buchanan.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.   To sign her guest book or leave a condolence message please visit www.swemchapel.com